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Devotional singing (bhajans)

Sing aloud the glory of God and charge the atmosphere with divine adoration . . . This is why I insist on group singing of the names of the Lord.  (SSS, VI, 239)

[Devotional singing (bhajan)] is the process of singing that originates in the heart, not from the lips or the tongue. It is the expression of the joyous thrill that wells up from the heart when the Glory of God is remembered. It is the spontaneous manifestation of inner ecstasy. No attention is paid to the blame or praise that others may give. It does not seek the admiration or the appreciation of the listeners.  (SSS, X, 84)

Devotional singing (bhajan) is one of the processes by which you can train the mind to expand into eternal values. Teach the mind to revel in the glory and majesty of God; wean it away from petty horizons of pleasure . . . Devotional singing induces in you a desire for experiencing the truth, to glimpse the beauty that is God, to taste the bliss that is the Self. It encourages man to dive into himself and be genuinely his real Self. (SSS, VII, 497-498)

Devotional singing (bhajan) is a spiritual practice (sadhana) for all who share in it. (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

Remember, every song sung in praise of the Lord is a sword that cuts the knots of laziness. It is a fine piece of social service to remind all of their duty to the Almighty, who watches over them.  (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, 134)

People say that when you go to Sai Baba, there is nothing but devotional singing (bhajan). Realize that there is nothing greater than bhajan. What bliss is there in bhajans! What a demonstration of oneness is it when a myriad throats join in uttering the name of God! The vibrations emanating from them make the heart vibrant. If you sing alone in your shrine, the vibrations return to you as a reaction. But in community singing, what you have is not a reaction but a wave of vibrations. They enter into the atmosphere and purify the polluted air. The atmosphere today is polluted by bad thoughts and feelings. When you sing the glory of God, the bad germs in the air are destroyed and the air gets purified by a treatment of anti-biotics, as it were.  (SS, Jan. 1995, 26)

When all the participants in a bhajan sing in unison, what sacred vibrations are produced and what Divine energies are released! When these vibrations fill the world, what changes cannot they bring about! When one sings alone, the heart is merged in the song. But when many sing together, it acquires a Divine power.  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

Those who sing bhajans get what can be called a 'double promotion', for they derive joy and distribute joy. (SSS, X, 101)

God is omnipresent. He is the in-dweller of every heart and all names are His. So you can call Him by any name that gives you joy. You must not cavil at other names and forms, nor become fanatics, blind to their glory. When you sing bhajan songs, dwell on the meaning of the songs and the message of each name and form of God and roll on your tongue its sweetness.  (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, 134)

Some people ... question the propriety of calling God by means of ... a multiplicity of names. But each name is indicative of only one aspect of Divinity. It denotes a single part of the Supreme Personality ... Every name is but a facet, a part, a ray of the Supreme. The spiritual discipline consists in recognising and becoming aware of the One that supports and sustains the many. That is the precious gem of wisdom that one must secure and treasure. (SSS, X, 87)

The procession to the cremation ground starts immediately on birth and the beating of the heart is the drum beat for the march towards that place. Some take a longer route, some reach quickly, but all are on the way. Therefore, devotional singing (bhajan) has to start in the childhood and has to continue. It must be the constant companion of man, his solace and strength. Do not postpone it to old age, for it is essential food for the mind.  (SSS, I, 123)

Devotional singing (bhajan) must become an unbroken stream of bliss on your tongues and in your hearts; it must confer on you the uninterrupted awareness of soham, of the unity of I and He.  (SSS, IX, 41-42)

The tongue is the post, devotional singing (bhajan) is the rope; with that rope, you can bring God Almighty near you and tie Him up so that His grace becomes yours.  (SSS, VII, 52)

Desire and anger are ... two enemies. Devotional singing ... is a good disciplinary process by which these two can be kept away.  (SSS, X, 100)

Take for example, there is a tree. It is full of birds. They make a mess all over. How to get rid of these noisy ones?  You should clap loudly. Similarly, in this tree of life, there are birds of desire. The heart therefore becomes dirty. In order to cleanse it, do devotional singing (bhajans).  (Kodaikanal discourse, April 12, 1996)

Think of [devotional singing (bhajan)] as a part of spiritual training to be seriously taken for reducing the attachment to fleeting objects, and purifying and strengthening you, liberating you from the cycle of birth and death and consequent misery. It may appear a frail cure for such a dreadful malady. Nevertheless, it is a panacea.  (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, 132)

In this busy age of fear and anxiety, the remembrance of God and repetition of His name is the one means of liberation that is accessible to all.  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

Let your whole life be a spiritual song. Believe that God is everywhere at all times, and derive strength, comfort, and joy by singing His glory in His presence.  (SSS, X, 94)
 

 


ON CONDUCTING devotional singing (bhajans)

QUOTES FROM SATHYA SAI BABA





Have the bhajans on as many days as possible or at least once a week.  Have them in a central place where all can come.  (The Holy Man and the Psychiatrist, 132)

Any devotional song, in any language can be sung as long as all can follow.  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 29)

Sing familiar bhajans, so that all can share in anand (bliss).  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 29)

When you sing bhajans, dwell on the meaning of the song and the message of each name and form of God.  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

You cannot insist that in the bhajans only songs on Sathya Sai should be sung! Fanaticism of that kind I very much dislike and condemn ... You betray your ignorance of the truth when you stick to any one of my names and avoid the rest. (SSS, VIII, 75)

Bhajan has to be a thrilling experience, which must leave the participants full of pure energy and elevated enthusiasm.  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 29)

Bhajan must spread good-will, love, ecstasy; it must cleanse the polluted atmosphere; it must invite all to share in the joy and peace. The nagarsankirtan (congregational singing of bhajans) must be radiating devotion and love.  The ananda I derive from bhajan I do not derive from anything else.  That is the reason I am emphasizing these points. Fill every moment with energy, enthusiasm, and effort.  (SSS, VIII, 47-48)

Some persons attending bhajans do not move their lips at all. They may say that they are singing the songs mentally within themselves. This is not proper ... You must sing the names aloud, full-throated, as far as the voice can reach. Only then the Divine will respond in full measure and shower His grace. No one will go to the rescue of a drowning man if his cries are feeble.  (SS, 35, April 1992, 70)

Together with melody and rhythm, you have to impart feeling to your singing to make the bhajan a sacred offering to the Divine. A tune without feeling is an infliction. Giving up conceit and exhibitionism, you must sing the bhajans in a spirit of humility and devotion. That is the right way to perform bhajans.  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

Bhajan must be a felt experience. Do not sing with one eye on the effect the song makes on the listeners and the other on the effect it makes on God.  (SSS, VIII, 60)

Bhajans have to be sung and offered to God in an attitude of utter humility; they are not to be taken as exercises in an exhibition of talents or as competitions for mastery of musical skill. They have to please the Lord, not your fans. (SSS, IX, 177)

Bhajans should be sung with complete obliviousness to the body.  Devotional fervor is more important than musical skill.  (SS, June 1996, 156)

Pay attention to the tune, the meaning, the variety, the voice, the raga (rhythm), the tala (beat), and other fine points of the bhajans.  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 30)

Let your heart pant for God, then the raga (rhythm) and tala (beat) will automatically be pleasant and correct.  (SSS, VII, 60)

Do not monopolize the time in bhajans, by singing one song for six or ten minutes, repeating the same line often. Repeat each line twice and no more. Have only two speeds; one slow and the other, fast. In this way you can have in one hour of bhajan, more songs on more forms, more tunes and more variety, giving more people a chance. (SSS, VII, 438)

Let those with a good voice and musical talent lead; the keertan (singing the name of God) must be pleasant, it should not jar on the ear.  If your voice is grating or out of tune, do not disturb the melody, but, repeat the namavali (song reciting the name of God) in your mind.  (SSS, VII, 177-178)

If your voice is not pleasant or sweet, keep quiet; that is the best service you can do.  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31)

Do not cause discontent or disharmony, insisting on singing because you are an office-bearer.  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31)

After bhajans ... there should be meditation for five to ten minutes.  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31)

People should return from bhajan carrying the elevated, uplifted and sublime mood created by the atmosphere at the bhajan. Therefore, after the bhajan people should disperse quietly, maintaining silence.  Then the joy and peace derived at the bhajan will linger and abide in the heart.  (Sai Bhajana Mala, 31)

Have [bhajans] . . . as simple as you can and without competitive pomp or show; reduce expenses to a minimum, for God cares for the inner yearning and not the outer trappings. Even this small unavoidable expenditure must be silently shared, spontaneously ... not collected by means of a plate ... or a subscription or donation list.  (SSS, VI, 220)

Bhajans

Below are audios of Swami leading bhajans. They are MP3 files.

MP3s
 Chanda Kirana Kula Mandala Rama  Download
 Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam  Download
 Prema Mudita Manase Kaho  Download
 Bhajana Bina Sukha Santhi Nahi  Download
 Madhava Murahara Madhura Manohara  Download
 Bhaja Govindam  Download
 Govinda Hare Gopala Hare  Download
 Rama Kodanda Rama  Download
 Rama Rama Rama Sita  Download
 Sathyam Jnanam Anantham Bramha  Download
 Govinda Krishna Jai Gopala Krishna Jai  Download
 Jaya Panduranga Prabhu Vittala  Download
 Sivaya Parameshwaraya Chandrasekharaya  Download
 Chitta Chora  Download
 Subramanyam Subramanyam  Download
 Hari Hari Hari Hari Smarane Karo  Download
 Ganga Jatadhara Gowri Shankara  Download
 Govinda Gopala Prabhu Giridhari  Download
 Shaila Girishwara Uma Maheshwara  Download
 Bhava Bhaya Harana  Download
 Narayana Bhaja Narayana  Download
 Hey Shiva Shankara  Download
 Pibare Rama Rasan  Download
 Hare Rama Hare Rama  Download
 Madhura Madhura Murali Ghana Shyama  Download
 Amba Shankari Parameshwari  Download

 

What Sri Sathya Sai Baba says about singing.

 

Singing to the Lord
 

The Lord told Narada that he can find Him installed wherever His Glory is sung by His devotees. Does it mean that He is installed in the thousands of places where bhajan is sung? No. The precondition is, ‘sung by devotees’. The devotees sing to please God, to acclaim His Majesty; they do not crave for exhibition, appreciation or fame, nor have they any envy or pride in their hearts.”


The present Age, often condemned as Kali Yuga, is in fact, the age in which one can attain liberation most easily. This is revealed in every scriptural text. The reason according to them is that one can be liberated now by the sadhana of nama sankirthan, singing the glory of the Lord, and listening to the Name being sung. Among the nine steps of devotion, listening to the Name being sung (Sarvanam) and Kirthanam (singing the Name) are mentioned as the best. Kirthanam is singing the Names which denote the glory of the Lord and Sankirthanam means ‘singing the Names continuously, aloud, without interruption and without hesitation’. Whereas Kirthan can be by one individual and can promote one’s own spiritual progress, Sankirtanam is by a group of people. It can help the process of liberation not only for the members of the group, but it will also be beneficial to those who listen and even to those beyond the circle of listeners; the whole world can benefit by the vibrations.”


“The wealth derived from singing God’s name, and meditation, is the influence of the higher energies in nature on one’s life. These not only cleanse the external body but also purify the inner tendencies .”

Singing bhajans

“God says, ‘Wherever My devotees sing, there I seat Myself.” “Bhajan is one of the processes by which you can train the mind to expand into eternal values. Teach the mind to revel in the glory and majesty of God; wean it away from petty horizons of pleasure. Bhajan induces in you a desire for experiencing the Truth, to glimpse the Beauty that is God, to taste the Bliss that is the Self. It encourages man to dive into himself and be genuinely his Real Self. Once that search is desired, the path is easy. One has only to be reminded that he is divine. The malady is: it is being thrust out of recognition. Man has come for a great destiny, on a sacred mission, endowed with special skills and tendencies to help him on; but, he fritters these precious gifts and crawls on earth from birth to death, worse than any animal. Exercises like Bhajan elevate the mind and exhort the individual to seek and find the source of eternal joy that lies within him.”

“I do not need songs glorifying God which like gramophone records, reproduce songs and strings of Gods names without any feeling or yearning while singing. Hours of shouting do not count; a moment of concentrated prayer from the heart is enough, to melt and move God.” “Bhajan is to the mind what bhojan food) is to the body.”

When asked if singing bhajans in English would spoil the sound vibrations: “No, the vibrations come from the heart!”

“Bhajan is one of the processes by which you can train the mind to expand into eternal values. Teach the mind to revel in the glory and majesty of God; wean it away from petty horizons of pleasure. That is all that Bhajan can do. Bhajan induces in you a desire for experiencing the Truth, to glimpse the Beauty that is God, to taste the Bliss that is the Self. It encourages man to drive into himself and be genuinely his real Self. Once that search is desired, the path is easy. One has only to be reminded that he is divine, for the malady is, its being thrust out of recognition.”

“Your heart grows when you are hearing bhajans with a full mind. On the other hand, if you do not sing melodiously, then you will not be getting joy. Community singing must be developed if you want to give to all people the thrill and joy of singing of prayers.”


“People may say that when you go to Sai Baba, there is nothing but bhajan. Realize that there is nothing “Your heart grows when you are hearing bhajans with a full mind. On the other hand, if you do not sing melodiously, then you will not be getting joy. Community singing must be developed if you want to give to all people the thrill and joy of singing of prayers.”


“Bhajans are therefore supremely valuable. It has been said that in the Kali Age there is no greater spiritual practice than chanting the name of the Lord. Let one remember the name of Rama at the time of passing, whether he is a millionaire or a pauper, whether he is a scholar or an illiterate. Sing the name of the Lord and redeem your lives.”

“Without discipline, understanding, cooperation and unity, bhajan singing is a waste of time.”


Those who sing bhajans get what can be called a ‘double promotion’, for they derive joy and distribute joy.

“Bhajans should be sung with complete obliviousness of the body. Devotional fervour is more important than musical skill. The ladies who took part in the bhajans in the morning sang the bhajans whole-heartedly. Their hearts were full of sweetness. Hence sweet music flowed from their hearts.”

 

 

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